February 2026. Italy hosts the Winter Olympics, and the world arrives to witness the races between Milan and Cortina. The adrenaline is sky-high, the atmosphere electric.
But there is a problem no one tells you about until you are stuck in it: total chaos.
Sold-out hotels at tripled prices, overcrowded restaurants, endless queues, and biting cold that makes you regret leaving home after hours on the slopes. Not to mention the traffic on alpine roads.
This is where Lake Garda comes into play: while everyone crowds into the alpine valleys fighting for the last available room, you can enjoy the event from a strategic position, with a Mediterranean climate, Valpolicella wines, and Spas waiting for you after a day in the crowds.
Geography is on Your Side
The beauty of Garda is that it’s right in the middle. From Desenzano or Peschiera, you have Milan just 50 minutes away by high-speed Frecciarossa train. You can watch the ice competitions in the morning, shop in the Fashion District in the afternoon, and return for an aperitivo overlooking the lake.
Heading to the Dolomites? With a private transfer (which we can organize), you reach Cortina in about two and a half hours from the Venetian coast. No stress driving on snow, just comfort.
The real advantage is freedom. Sleep where the climate is mild, go to the snow only when you want. You are not a hostage to Olympic logistics.
February on Garda: Anything But Quiet
Many think the lake goes into hibernation in winter, but February is the month for connoisseurs, when mass tourism disappears, and the territory reveals its true self.
After a day amidst the Olympic crowds, what could be better than:
- A Private Spa in a Wine Resort, perhaps in a famous heated historic wooden tub outdoors. Immersed in hot water with a glass of Lugana wine, surrounded by vineyards and silence.
- A Sensory Wine Tasting in a Valpolicella cellar, with a fireplace crackling and zero tourist traps.
- An Exclusive Cooking Class in a beautiful estate in the Bardolino hills to learn how to make fresh pasta—a memory that beats any souvenir.
Also, consider that the 2026 Olympics coincide with Valentine's Day. Garda offers what ski resorts cannot guarantee during those days: tranquility, romance, and genuine attention to the guest.
What to Do While Others Watch the Races
The lake in winter has a life of its own, made of traditions that you can't even glimpse in summer due to the tourist rush.
Winter Wellness: Spa and Wine
True luxury is in the contrast. While it’s -10°C on the Dolomites, here you immerse yourself in warmth.
If the Spa & Aperitivo in a Wine Resort isn't enough, try a Spa with Lunch or Dinner in a Cellar: three hours dedicated to complete restoration of body and mind (Turkish bath, sauna, wellness waterfalls, rural spring, and hot tub) followed by a meal featuring typical Valtenesi dishes. It’s the perfect detox after Olympic adrenaline.
Cellars, Olive Mills, and Hands-on Experiences
Winter is when the land rests, but the cellars are busy.
- VIP Food & Wine: our experiences are not simple "tastings." We take you inside historic wineries and olive oil mills, often with a fireplace lit, to taste the freshly produced new oil and aging wines. It’s an intimate, almost private atmosphere.
- Hands in the Dough: want a tangible memory? Join a Cooking Class in a farmhouse among the Bardolino hills or in an informal home setting. Learn to fold tortellini or prepare fresh pasta. It’s a fun way to spend a "warm" afternoon, connecting with locals (and eating divinely).
For Families (Or Those Who Don't Ski Every Day)
For those traveling with children or wanting a break from the snow, the lake's mild climate, thanks to its Mediterranean influence, allows outdoor activities unthinkable elsewhere in February.
- Historic Villages without Crowds: visiting Sirmione, Lazise, or Bardolino in February is a privilege. You can stroll along deserted lakefronts, enter artisan shops calmly, and enjoy the lake view which, in winter, takes on almost mystical colors, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
- Alpaca Walking: a sweet and very "Instagrammable" experience, perfect for families. Walking with these curious animals in the nature of Garda is a natural stress reliever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too cold in February? No. The Mediterranean microclimate of Garda is different from Milan or Cortina. A walk on the lakefront or lunch in a heated veranda is very pleasant. The light reflecting on the lake waters is silvery and unique.
Are restaurants open? Lake Garda is alive all year round. Quality restaurants, typical osterie, and spa hotels are operational. In fact, in February, the service is more attentive because there are fewer crowds.
What if I don't want to ski every day? You have Verona just 30 minutes away, luxury shopping, and thermal baths. Or let yourself be carried away by the experience at Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium open all year round. Options are endless. Read also our blog about Verona or other beautiful places on Lake Garda.
Your Luxury Base
The 2026 Olympics will be memorable, but it depends on how you choose to live them. You can stay in the chaos or move from a strategic point, connected to everything but immersed in peace.
Lake Garda with NowMyPlace is a vacation within a vacation. Sport plus the Italian "Dolce Vita," without compromises.
Don't wait for availability to run out. Discover our exclusive winter collections for February 2026.
Book your Private Transfer Milan-Garda-Cortina by contacting info@nowmyplace.com
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